Lot
1044 
(Unorganized Missouri Territory) "Cant Leavenworth Mo., June 16th", manuscript postmark with matching "25" rating on folded cover to Major L. Taliafero, U.S. Indian Agent, St. Peters, Upper Mississippi, inside "9th August 1829" receipt docketing, endorsement on flap "If Majr Taliafero is absent from here Mr. Elias. T. Langham will open this letter and oblige & c"; opening tear at right, Very Fine, ex-Alexander. Estimate $750 - 1,000.
THE EARLIEST RECORDED CANTONMENT LEAVENWORTH POSTMARK.
Early in the year 1827, the War Department ordered Col. Henry Leavenworth to follow the Missouri River until he reached the mouth of the Little Platte River, and established a permanent military cantonment on the east bank of the river. Col. Leavenworth explored the area, and determined that the west side (ultimately the Kansas) side of the river was the best site for the construction of the cantonment. Due to its strategic location on what was to become the Oregon Trail, Fort Leavenworth became a key supply station on the westbound route settlers took on their long journey to California, Oregon and Utah.
Realized: $1,100